June 5, 2025 — New York
With antisemitism rising to record levels across the country, educators are wrestling with how to best foster school communities that are resilient against antisemitism and inclusive of Jewish identity.
Meeting that challenge was the focus of a summit held by American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) Center for Education Advocacy (CEA) at New York University School of Law.
More than 30 heads of leading independent schools were among 160 educators who met in New York on May 29 to discuss best practices to handle issues tied to antisemitism and anti-Zionist activity.
The summit, held in conjunction with NYU’s Center for the Study of Antisemitism, was a rare opportunity for the heads of school, and the teams accompanying them, to hear from seasoned educators and experts, who have spent decades researching and teaching about what is often called the world’s oldest hatred.
“These heads represent schools with an incredibly diverse array of students of all ages from different backgrounds,” said Dr. Laura Shaw Frank, Vice President, Center for Education Advocacy. “This summit was a way for these schools to not only hear from experts but to exchange ideas about best practices and work collaboratively to find solutions to address antisemitism.”
The summit focused on ensuring the safety and inclusion of Jewish students, educators, and families in independent schools, and equipping educational leaders with tools to foster Jewish belonging and teach about Jewish history and identity.
Heads of schools engaged in a conversation about the challenges they have faced since the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, which steps have been helpful, and how schools can best chart their paths forward.
Educators also explored the heterogeneity and nuances of the Jewish people, examined frameworks to effectively teach about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and learned approaches to teaching Jewish history and contemporary life to authentically integrate Jewish stories in the classroom.
“Linking elementary and secondary education to higher education is not just strategic, it is critical,” said Doug Brophy, head of school at The Town School. “When these two worlds work together we don't just respond to hate, we help make our students and educational institutions resilient in the face of it.”
“It was heartening to see so many independent school leaders come together to learn more about and to consider ways to combat antisemitism," said José De Jesús, head of school at The Dalton School. “Both the invited speakers and our conversations with peers were enlightening. It was great to be in community to engage around this growing and deeply concerning societal issue.”
The summit was informed, in part, by an action plan created by CEA for independent school heads, in recognition of the role these schools play as hubs for innovation and community building. Among its recommendations:
- Implement mandatory programs about Jewish identity and antisemitism to ensure a culture of belonging
- Establish and publicize clear protocols for responding to antisemitic incidents
- Ensure physical security for Jewish students
- Provide professional development for faculty to teach the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with academic integrity.
CEA has also created an action plan for independent school students.
“It’s more important than ever that Jewish New Yorkers feel seen, safe, and supported,” said AJC New York Director Josh Kramer. “We are grateful to the participants in this summit for working to ensure their schools are ready to confront hate, champion inclusion, and lead with courage.”
AJC’s Center for Education Advocacy was established in 2024 amid a massive surge in antisemitic and anti-Zionist incidents at colleges and K-12 schools. The Center’s bold, multi-tiered approach to education advocacy builds on AJC’s strong record of advocacy in education spaces to allow it to effect even more positive and lasting change. Learn more at www.ajc.org/center-for-education-advocacy.
